Customs Blocking Hentai

(Otaku(183)
Wed 2008/12/31 20:57
While many of us have been treated like criminals going through customs, this is the first time I've come across scum treatment for possession of comics...

Saturday, I was surrounded by six officers, two watching me as the four others went page by page through my books looking for pornographic images and other evidence I was a sexual predator. How did this happen? I said a word which Canada Customs considers dirty: Manga. As soon as I declared that I had some of the japanese inspired comic books called manga, a Custom’s officer said, “That’s the stuff from Japan; there is some really obscene and filthy stuff.” No, I pointed out, these was printed in America and very mainstream. As more and more officers were called in, the six manga books I had were examined in detail. They were looking, they told me, for pornographic, obscene and adult material. “The age rating is on the back of each book.” (each manga book has ratings like 13+ or 15+ - mine were 13+). I was informed that I could have put different covers on or done anything else I could to get the pornography in and that if I spoke anymore, the books would be seized. So I stood there and watched my previously new books get examined page by page, thumbed through and pressed open because it was assumed if I read manga, that I was a sex offender.
Read the rest at Screw Bronze. I probably should remove the Pink Chu Chu badge from my bag when traveling through Canadian customs to avoid toraburu. Original text from JChow below.
Well after browsing around I found this piece of article:here It seems that Canadian and US customs are blocking packages that contain Hentai Mangas and other sort of explicit material from Japan. Here is a topic from HongFire I saw: "Well I've been ordering some hentai manga online for a while now. Just recently I got an email informing me that my order was canceled. The reason given was that they themselves had just gotten a letter from Canada customs informing them that hentai manga is no longer allowed through the border." HongFire original here: here So seems like you can't order hentai legally online now. Or pass through customs without having people stare at you thinking your a pervert and looking through your manga page by page. What do you guys think of this? Image from Konachan: here
Posted on Wed 2008/12/31 20:57 by
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on Mon 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
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Risedawn in Dark Side of Singapore (Registered on 2008/01/06 12:01)
Currently Serving National Service
What the hell? Since when does the government became our mothers? Who are they to decide what is good and what is bad for us? 
(ID #430455) Posted on 2008/12/31 13:01
Koji98 in Arlington, Texas (Registered on 2007/11/04 13:43)
Your local Otaku Cashier.
Since they were given any kind of power, and they have the power to decide what is good and not good for you. But hey, at least you don't live in the Nanny State.
(ID #430682) Posted on 2008/12/31 16:47
FlashFire in USA (Registered on 2008/11/15 02:23)
Student
And yet they bitch because we'll have a friend ina coutry that can get it without the legal hassles and have them mail it to us.

I believe the US itself has a list of books taht can not be purchased within the US. I suppose eventually the list will contain every hentai manga title. Too bad they'll need to update the damn thing every few months.
(ID #430757) Posted on 2008/12/31 18:18
Streetpilot1 in Philadelphia, USA (Registered on 2008/04/02 09:03)
Limousine Driver
The worst part about this is that they are going after freedom of expression. This is the same as freedom of speech. Their first target appears to be art. The "They" would be an elitist government. 
(ID #431358) Posted on 2009/01/01 04:21
JustRobert in Indonesia (Registered on 2008/04/20 02:53)
future president(hopefully)
Yeah right, turns out their so called "Law" is just Hypocrisy like they really hate it. It's just not right you know it's all normal that people like those stuff. Sex has been here with us since the beginning of time. How dare they say it's against the law! I say F*ck you!! If it's so illegal what's the difference with your adult mags! What was the purpose of age ratings?! 
(ID #431081) Posted on 2008/12/31 23:49
Heigen in Finland (Registered on 2007/11/12 23:20)
Student
So you can bring porn, but not hentai? What about hentai dvds or figures?
(ID #430937) Posted on 2008/12/31 21:29
soulfringe in Sacramento California, United States (Registered on 2008/10/25 19:28)
amatuer bum
This is the first step the government will take before it becomes just like a certain anime we saw this past year.  You know, the one with librarians and guns.  Toshokan Sensou.
(ID #431769) Posted on 2009/01/01 11:22
FatBastard in directly responsible (Registered on 2007/11/04 19:28)
Hotdog Repairman
Errrrr? Wonder if this will interfere with Super Soniko figure @.@
(ID #430456) Posted on 2008/12/31 13:02
Oni-kun in Land of Zero Opportunities (by the Equator) (Registered on 2007/11/10 11:10)
Unemployed bummer
that one that you won? should be fine right? after all, it's natural display state wasn't the bare-eyes version.

isn't there any way to circumvent the customs by declaring it as a gift?
(ID #430535) Posted on 2008/12/31 14:07
Tourak in カナダ, ケベック (Registered on 2007/12/20 10:57)
大がくせい
It probably won't cause trouble since she doesn't look too much like a child and isn't a dfl...now where I to order this one *NSFW* http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10080836 .....then that could totally mean trouble. And here I wanted to order most Koihime Musou figure. orz
(ID #430551) Posted on 2008/12/31 14:15
twu in country of igloos and lumberjacks... (Registered on 2008/09/09 01:43)
Professional Panhandler
LMAO...you'll end up on Nancy Grace who'll declare you a monster on national tele
(ID #431214) Posted on 2009/01/01 02:03
lightningsabre in Vancouver (Registered on 2007/08/30 19:39)
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 太もも Appreciator
It'd be good if they made the box without a see through window. I notice some hentai figures just uses a cardboard box without a plastic window. If not, it'll be covered by the apron by default.
(ID #430561) Posted on 2008/12/31 14:25
FatBastard in directly responsible (Registered on 2007/11/04 19:28)
Hotdog Repairman
Thanks for the support guys. I really appreciate it. 

Happy New Year!
(ID #430702) Posted on 2008/12/31 17:20
The Lyrical Loli in Los Angeles, California, U.S. (Registered on 2007/10/14 16:44)
Kokoro Kotonoha's personal trainer
No offense but Canada depresses me. But the law is the law.

I've never ordered any hentai or such related materials so i've never had this problem, although i can test sites like J-list to see if my order would make it here successfully. I'm sure it would since Canada is not in the state of California's way.
(ID #430458) Posted on 2008/12/31 13:02
TheAndySan in Ohayo (Registered on 2008/10/23 16:01)
Blogger & Former Tentacle Support
And here I thought that Canada was the cool, laid-back part of North America...
(ID #431016) Posted on 2008/12/31 22:45
twu in country of igloos and lumberjacks... (Registered on 2008/09/09 01:43)
Professional Panhandler
Nah...Cuba is more laid back than Canada  :P
(ID #431217) Posted on 2009/01/01 02:05
crunchbite in Thunder Bay, ON (Registered on 2008/08/22 09:47)
DSL Tech Support T____T, Kita-Kon Chairman
No offense but the USA has been blocking h-manga for years, the fact that this randomly happened at a Canadian border crossing doesn't mean it happens regularly. This is actually one of a few incidences that i have heard happen in Canada in the last 10 years. I'm also going to wager a guess that this was in the West because they have caught some people with loli material and everyone is afraid they are pedos : /
(ID #431146) Posted on 2009/01/01 00:57
Andrei-kun in California, USA (Registered on 2008/10/23 16:11)
Student
Canada sure is strict. US doesn't have that restriction, maybe because we have a small Japanese town here, selling those things. Hmm
(ID #430459) Posted on 2008/12/31 13:03
Nikukai in Kansas - USA (Registered on 2008/10/14 17:12)
カタイ-ガクセイ
I swear to god, if the US does restrict stuff like that, Im moving. That just settles it right there.
(ID #431108) Posted on 2009/01/01 00:21
Chuck Gaffney in Selden, New York (Registered on 2007/07/29 01:41)
Anime Store Owner, artist, Web master
I second that
(ID #431488) Posted on 2009/01/01 06:37
yanipheonu in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada (Registered on 2008/11/26 13:55)
Student
Well...

THAT SUCKS 0_o. Hopefully they manage to get stuff at Anime North, or I'm f@#ked.
Although Canada can be pretty strict about certain random things.
(ID #430460) Posted on 2008/12/31 13:04
Mimi in self destruction (Registered on 2008/03/11 08:31)
Mimi
How come human porn is fine but eroge illustrations are not ok? 

That is so dumb. -__-"
(ID #430461) Posted on 2008/12/31 13:04
ETERNAL in Toronto, Canada (Registered on 2008/03/21 12:45)
Amateur novelist
Because evidently, the majority of the people who make these laws don't use their heads. Sadly.
(ID #430486) Posted on 2008/12/31 13:27
afatcow (Registered on 2008/08/28 17:59)
agreed.
(ID #430607) Posted on 2008/12/31 15:16
tien in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Registered on 2007/09/14 02:50)
University Student
agreed too. stupid bureaucrat 
(ID #430872) Posted on 2008/12/31 20:12
Cyberchaos in Australia, Sydney (Registered on 2008/02/17 20:43)
AdvDip Network Security - CCNA - Ironport - Security+
it should also be noted that that they are never affected by the laws they make in the first place

tl;dr - they make the rules, but they never use them

sucks how that works doesnt it?
(ID #430989) Posted on 2008/12/31 22:24
GNdynames in University of Western Ontario (Registered on 2008/07/29 06:45)
Student, Bioresearch Assistant, WAVE VP Communications
Agreed wholeheartedly.
(ID #431335) Posted on 2009/01/01 04:02
sanguine in Philippines (Registered on 2008/09/13 00:53)
Student
Totally agree.
(ID #432008) Posted on 2009/01/01 16:49
Raz in this moment and time. (Registered on 2008/09/02 07:05)
BioResearch Assistant
It's stemming from the explicit loli manga. Apparently they're generalizing it and now saying that any and all explicit manga are or could end up being loli and are now banned, instead of just going after loli manga. They see the illustrations having a gray area where the age and character don't always correspond. "She may be 18 but drawn like 15" ....and all that.

With explicit material involving real individuals there is no gray zone. If she's even a day under 18 you're in jail.
(ID #430508) Posted on 2008/12/31 13:47
Syranide in England (Registered on 2008/04/13 04:37)
Media Student
Not to mention the blocking of Loli manga is ridiculous anyway. An argument brought up all over the internet but nevertheless a valid one, no children are harmed from drawings.
(ID #430538) Posted on 2008/12/31 14:07
Syranide in England (Registered on 2008/04/13 04:37)
Media Student
I have already read it however thank you.
(ID #430631) Posted on 2008/12/31 15:40
NaKAhi70 in 死神の世界 (Registered on 2008/04/06 13:56)
大学の学生 1st year
But you must rememeber there are some RL girls that are 18+ but look younger.
For example my friends shes 18 (whilst im still 17) but looks like a 15 year old.
(ID #430594) Posted on 2008/12/31 15:01
Raz in this moment and time. (Registered on 2008/09/02 07:05)
BioResearch Assistant
True. Very good point. I'm just bringing up the possible logic behind their decision.

In terms of that you would probably expect an answer going on the fact that despite looking younger she is still in fact of legal age and that cannot be changed or invalidated in any way. With illustrations it's really subjective based on what the creator wants. They can always change it since the character is fictional.

Disregarding the latter though, an argument on character and age conflicts with real-life individual and age since it's basically the same: The character looks 15 but is 18...my friend looks 15 but is 18. The courts would never dare to deny an individual's natural born rights just because they look younger than they actually are and allowing them to do such things is morally corruptible based on that. There they encounter a dilemma.

That's why that ban should be invalidated or changed at the least. It doesn't flow logically.

Then again they go around that by saying character's are fictional are subject to exceptional reasoning. With that though you begin to deviate from the argument and loss flow but somehow magically arrive to reason.

...Amazing.
(ID #430621) Posted on 2008/12/31 15:28
NaKAhi70 in 死神の世界 (Registered on 2008/04/06 13:56)
大学の学生 1st year
Abosultely true and that's why I hate it >_>. I just told her and even she thinks it's stupid. But you know I don't see what's wrong? It's not as if its hurting anyone and the girl/guy in the doujinshi whatever can't really feel it or be hurt so ~
(ID #430763) Posted on 2008/12/31 18:24
Raz in this moment and time. (Registered on 2008/09/02 07:05)
BioResearch Assistant
It's the principle of the thing. By allowing such material to flow around - even if its fictional - that will only incite individuals into liking explicit material involving minors which could then lead those corrupted people into committing real acts of violence and perversion.

Basically by setting a law that bans loli, activist groups and lawmakers hope to stamp out a possible motivator for abuse against minors.

However there's no strong or supporting evidence supporting the notion that people who view loli are likely to or will commit such crimes.
(ID #431271) Posted on 2009/01/01 03:01
Halconnen in Karlsland (Registered on 2008/11/18 17:19)
Student
Sadly, at least over here, "she is still in fact of legal age and that cannot be changed or invalidated in any way" my sorry rear end.

Thanks to the new youth pornography laws passed over here not long ago, it's actually the looks of the actor that decide wether shit is outlawed or not, even if the actor is of legal age. (Of course, the actor has to be of legal age. But that alone is not enough.)

Of course, there is no clear-cut definition of what 'looks' underage, so it's apparently up to the judge to decide wether or not this applies.

I am looking forward to some very ridiculous court cases in the near future.
(ID #431266) Posted on 2009/01/01 02:59
Raz in this moment and time. (Registered on 2008/09/02 07:05)
BioResearch Assistant
Wow. That's pretty strict. I doubt manga would hold up there if they went ahead and applied it to real life productions as well.

Germany, right?
(ID #431282) Posted on 2009/01/01 03:13
Halconnen in Karlsland (Registered on 2008/11/18 17:19)
Student
Germany, yes. And the law includes both RL pornography and drawn art. (As well as, to my knowledge, as the lawbabble is strong with this one, with all sorts of written fiction that is -not- printed paperback. (Probably some kind of failsafe to prevent written works by well known literary figures getting the banhammer) As in, a document on an HDD, for one.)

Reading about fanpages of teenie-idols removing all the fanfic in a mad panic was somewhat amusing.

Also: You respond to comments -fast-. Do you just check your own comments regularily by hand (like I do), or do you have some sorta nifty trick/secret?
(ID #431312) Posted on 2009/01/01 03:36
Raz in this moment and time. (Registered on 2008/09/02 07:05)
BioResearch Assistant
Wow, that's very strict. I'm not sure about fictional writings over here in the US. Chances are if a writer posted anything like that on the internet they would get flagged by the Feds and investigated in secret for any further incriminating evidence.

Eh, just for today. I'm just looking around DC longer than I usually do hence the faster replies. Apart from looking at articles I try to get back to comments I've made that day as fast as I can.
(ID #431323) Posted on 2009/01/01 03:47
Fabian in Germany (Registered on 2008/01/09 01:36)
student
That's just one of quite a few laws written in such a way that they could mean pretty much anything. Another example is § 202c StGB that is banning tools that could be used to break into computers and/or steal information.
This is problematic because a lot of those tools  (e. g. port scanners) can be used for such purposes but can and are also used for perfectly legal activities like securing a company network. This means that a lot of network administrators sail close to the wind when they are just doing their job.

I don't think these laws will be enforced a lot but I'm sure they will be used as wild cards. The authorities hate you but they didn't find anything they could use to put you behind bars? No problem, just use one of the wild cards that can be used against pretty much anyone.

The only way to save yourself from such dirty tricks is using things like harddrive encryption to make sure they never get control over your data.



(ID #431749) Posted on 2009/01/01 11:08
Halconnen in Karlsland (Registered on 2008/11/18 17:19)
Student
Well. Technically it is now (as of a few days ago) legal for them to try to install a trojan to your computer to closely monitor you as of a few days ago, just on the grounds of suspicion and without needing the matter to go through court.

Ugh.

Working on getting a full disk encryption set up on all computers and moving windows to virtual machines only is pretty high on my priority list now.
(ID #432779) Posted on 2009/01/02 12:54
soulfringe in Sacramento California, United States (Registered on 2008/10/25 19:28)
amatuer bum
Because non-animed porn is considered "normal"  and anime/manga is associated with pedos.  

Another ignorant stereotype, although a good chunk of the otaku make it true. Thanks 2/4chan.
(ID #431775) Posted on 2009/01/01 11:29
Flawless EXA in California, US (Registered on 2008/12/04 09:33)
High School Student
I hate the law. They are usually stupid and very unnecessary.
(ID #430463) Posted on 2008/12/31 13:05
JijaymonZ in JhaKharTha (Registered on 2008/02/17 00:03)
are there any thats not stupid ?
(ID #431180) Posted on 2009/01/01 01:27
twu in country of igloos and lumberjacks... (Registered on 2008/09/09 01:43)
Professional Panhandler
Going to jail if you kill someone doesn't sound stupid to me...though I would prefer them executed personally.
(ID #431225) Posted on 2009/01/01 02:12
tymmur in his top secret nuclear bunker (Registered on 2008/01/20 19:55)
Most laws actually makes sense. The thing is that we don't think about the laws that makes sense to us since it comes natural to us. We have some laws like cars should be on the road (and in the correct side) and people on the sidewalks. We don't think about this as odd but it's actually declared that way by law. We just notice laws when we disagree with them, not when we agree ^^
(ID #431722) Posted on 2009/01/01 10:50
Akidora in KL, Malaysia (Registered on 2008/09/02 08:57)
NEET
Since importing printed material is banned... I won't be surprised people start selling digital manga or 'print it yourself' manga ^^
I still don't see why they have to block only 2D hentai material... They should banned all if they really mean business~
(ID #430476) Posted on 2008/12/31 13:22
MasterSkirtChaser in Canada (Registered on 2008/04/29 12:11)
Student
GAH! They are gradually going out of control! Think of the Figures! Won't someone please think of the figures?! I am still waiting on some figure orders!~ No!~
(ID #430477) Posted on 2008/12/31 13:22
pus2meong in Atlantis. No, I mean Indonesia XD (Registered on 2007/12/15 18:46)
Self Employee NEET
Find some friend at US to order the manga, Then bring to Canada. XD
(ID #430482) Posted on 2008/12/31 13:25
pus2meong in Atlantis. No, I mean Indonesia XD (Registered on 2007/12/15 18:46)
Self Employee NEET
Wait, I tought US allowing people ordering "H material" legally aslong as you already 18 years old?
(ID #430485) Posted on 2008/12/31 13:27
Raz in this moment and time. (Registered on 2008/09/02 07:05)
BioResearch Assistant
Both sources point only to Canadian Customs blocking hentai containing manga.

Nothing there cites US Customs doing so as well. You may want to change that.

And the word of one person replying to the HF Thread isn't exactly credible. 
(ID #430492) Posted on 2008/12/31 13:32
FooMaster in New Mexico, USA (Registered on 2008/05/12 14:10)
Animation Grad looking for work
That is weak sauce. Let someone look at whatever gets them off. Nothing wrong with drawings in my opinion. 
(ID #430502) Posted on 2008/12/31 13:38
jhkplaya888 in Earth (Registered on 2008/05/21 04:23)
In canada 2d = 3d. Literally basically in there law if you have manga its considered real, and thus banned.
In the USA there was a guy arrested for having loli manga. Its quite sad to see the USA do something like that which is clearly in violation of like free speech or something. 
(ID #430511) Posted on 2008/12/31 13:49
Raz in this moment and time. (Registered on 2008/09/02 07:05)
BioResearch Assistant
There are limitations to the First Amendment though...it depends what the courts say.
(ID #430532) Posted on 2008/12/31 14:04
Amiantos in Illinois USA (Registered on 2007/11/30 14:57)
Student/Part-Time Worker/Social Recluse
Depends on what your state court says.  You pretty much tell them "Up Yours" and go to Supreme Court and they go "Stupid state courts..." and then let you off the hook.  This takes time and such but it delivers blows to what they can do.
Also though it never states it for that one guy.  He had a past record of um...certain things that weren't exactly legal.  Though he was only busted for loli manga this time I'm sure it violated some sort of rule he had to abide by.
(ID #430577) Posted on 2008/12/31 14:36
Raz in this moment and time. (Registered on 2008/09/02 07:05)
BioResearch Assistant
Eh, more or less. The Supreme Court can basically invalidate anything a state court rules but won't let you off the hook. Unless you have a valid case one shouldn't risk Supreme Court ruling as it will provide precedence. They can make or break you and any future cases.
(ID #430596) Posted on 2008/12/31 15:03
jhkplaya888 in Earth (Registered on 2008/05/21 04:23)
For cases like this in the USA i think the supreme court struck it down like 4 times in the past, so from what i hear they changed it to moving materials across state lines or something. Not sure though. 
It will be quite a sad day when america thinks of 2d as 3d...then some random dude might draw a stick figure and call it under 18 and bam jail >_<
(ID #430704) Posted on 2008/12/31 17:22
Raz in this moment and time. (Registered on 2008/09/02 07:05)
BioResearch Assistant
Like in Australia? That's basically what one of their judges said when ruling against someone convicted of holding loli.
(ID #431303) Posted on 2009/01/01 03:27
Amiantos in Illinois USA (Registered on 2007/11/30 14:57)
Student/Part-Time Worker/Social Recluse
Supreme court in past cases have ruled in favor of the person with the manga.  Not to sure with the near future though.  A few are ready to hang up their robes and Soon to be President Obama will have his shot at I think around 3 seats and god knows what will happen then.
(ID #430770) Posted on 2008/12/31 18:28
gsquared in LA or Taiwan (Registered on 2008/09/01 15:10)
Student
has it actually been confirmed as a law in the US? also, can't buyers just request the seller to do discreet packaging, and hope customs dont actually check?
(ID #430525) Posted on 2008/12/31 13:58
Raz in this moment and time. (Registered on 2008/09/02 07:05)
BioResearch Assistant
It hasn't. 

And customs don't open up through all packages I believe. Only ones deemed suspicious. They do check packages via scanning machines, canine units, etc...
(ID #430530) Posted on 2008/12/31 14:03
Altair Hashan in Ljubljana, Slovenia (Registered on 2008/05/19 03:14)
A Real RocknRolla
yeah true but if they generalize like you said before they will think anything coming from japan that is a smaller package contains manga, AKA the root off all evil in some morons head, and will check it any way. best thing to do is if you have a friend in Europe or any place outside of the US and Canada is to buy it for you unpacks it, repacks it in a totally different thing, write on FRAGILE and send it to you. it will cost a lot, but still you get better chances to get it.  
(ID #430998) Posted on 2008/12/31 22:32
tymmur in his top secret nuclear bunker (Registered on 2008/01/20 19:55)
sometimes they also pick random packages in order to try to catch those who really try to conceal bad stuff. It's impossible to make the package that will never be checked.
(ID #431729) Posted on 2009/01/01 10:53
lightningsabre in Vancouver (Registered on 2007/08/30 19:39)
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 太もも Appreciator
I'm ordering a couple of eroge from RightStuf... I hope those goes through. I always hesitated ordering H materials from the US because of customs -_-  Very risky, but I'm hoping it might be pushed through with no problem.

I worry about figures too, but I found a Canadian website that sells ecchi figures, so if I want one, it'll be from there.
(ID #430558) Posted on 2008/12/31 14:20
Tourak in カナダ, ケベック (Registered on 2007/12/20 10:57)
大がくせい
Care to share the link? I could interested in ordering from them also. 
(ID #430657) Posted on 2008/12/31 16:24
lightningsabre in Vancouver (Registered on 2007/08/30 19:39)
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 太もも Appreciator
http://www.mangaworld.ca/

I've never ordered one from them before, so don't really know how good they'll be.
(ID #430697) Posted on 2008/12/31 17:17
BenPi in Quebec, Canada (Registered on 2007/08/30 08:00)
Student and Computer tech
I have ordered many figures on this website before and they have a really good service. I recommend you to order from them!
(ID #431294) Posted on 2009/01/01 03:24
Reyyn in Massachusetts (Registered on 2009/05/03 17:02)
College Student
Sadly, bad experiences are sometimes more memorable than good ones.  In '07, I remember arriving in Canada from Hong Kong and noticed that my luggage had been checked because I had put locks on mine and I saw that the lock was missing and the zippers were broken.  I had 3 figures in my luggage but they weren't confiscated.  When leaving Canada for Alaska, i was momentarily pulled over by some official for a random Passport/ID check.  

Then when it was time for me to fly back to Boston, before the security checkpoint, a lady came up to me and said that I was chosen for a special screening meaning that my carry on bag was going to be looked at.  It was an OMG moment for me that time because I was carrying two bricks of a rice powdered substance that my grandmother gave to me from HK for my mom.  The person checking my bag was thinking it was cocaine or drugs.  The bag of powder was not marked at all because it was probably obtained through a mom & pop store that wouldn't give a damn about paying for special packaging.  There wasn't a quick way for them to verify if it was drugs or not since opening the bag would mean instant spillage and hassle.  Even putting a needle through it is not a good option.  So they let me slide, but not without them jotting something about me on their forms.  

Looking back, I think I should've placed the rice powder in my luggage and clothes in my carryon but then my luggage was checked, and they could've confiscated it that time and I needed my clothes in my luggage to cushion the figure boxes. ^^

I really felt like I was being discriminated against the three times I was at the Vancouver Airport.  I know Vancouver has a large asian population and I've heard that the city would not be where it is now without asian investors and residents.  But maybe because of that, they know there's lots of weird stuff and weird food being brought over to Canada.  

Well, long story short, I hope my "obscene" artbook illustrations and figures I've gotten from Hong Kong will reach the US safely.

(ID #430568) Posted on 2008/12/31 14:32
Syranide in England (Registered on 2008/04/13 04:37)
Media Student
Honestly, you're a braver one than I for even considering going through an airport with an unmarked bag of powdered substance.
(ID #430583) Posted on 2008/12/31 14:47
GNdynames in University of Western Ontario (Registered on 2008/07/29 06:45)
Student, Bioresearch Assistant, WAVE VP Communications
It might be because real smugglers would do better to hide their stuff? I dunno just a thought.
(ID #431341) Posted on 2009/01/01 04:10
tymmur in his top secret nuclear bunker (Registered on 2008/01/20 19:55)
I think that was a case of "oh, I didn't think of that".

Besides they are very strict regarding importing food. The reason is that they fear it contains bugs and other nasty stuff that USA/Canada don't have and really don't want to import. They keep all sorts of food all the time because of this.
(ID #431740) Posted on 2009/01/01 10:58
Salt in MtL;Canada (Registered on 2008/12/31 08:41)
HStudent ♥
Oh wow. Most I've heard/known was that you couldn't bring anything Loli/Shota over here.
(ID #430578) Posted on 2008/12/31 14:40
Unyuu in Canada, Montreal (Registered on 2008/09/30 04:19)
Student
This is sad... and really stupid ><.
(ID #430586) Posted on 2008/12/31 14:50
varutieru in indonesia (Registered on 2008/08/26 21:22)
student / NEET
seriously... does monetary crisis these days burns law maker brains or sanity?
things are just going down to the sink even more deep lately

australia ban loli stuff
america ban loli stuff
japanese stuff is just getting more expensive
censor to anime's

what's wrong with this world lately!!!!!???
(ID #430601) Posted on 2008/12/31 15:06
GNdynames in University of Western Ontario (Registered on 2008/07/29 06:45)
Student, Bioresearch Assistant, WAVE VP Communications
I'll tell you what I told everyone else who asks about the world, "Everything."
(ID #431342) Posted on 2009/01/01 04:11
cbeley in Wisconsin, USA (Registered on 2008/06/09 13:34)
Student
This kind of worries me because I ordered Kimichi Yoshizuki Art Works: Calendar Film from HLJ and it has been in the mail for 27 days so far (actually, my mom paid for it as a christmas present...).  On average, SAL takes me 10 days and only one time did I have an issue like this and 10 days was added mainly due to mail forwarding at my post office (so reallly, it took around 20 days).  Now, the artbook I ordered is far from explicit, but if they are checking these things ..bleh, if anything is wrong with my art book I am going to be so mad.

I guess this means no hentai...maybe.  I've never actually ordered any, but if by the chance I decide to, I feel like I may have a problem now :S
(ID #430648) Posted on 2008/12/31 16:07
HoHoWan in Somewhere Dull (Registered on 2008/08/10 15:05)
Customs & Weird Stuff
Not that familiar with Canada Customs, as I mainly deal with US Customs, but in 
my experience Customs are usually A$$s about their authority regardless of country.

US Customs *DOES* have the authority to seize *WHATEVER* they want during
your re-entry into the US.  Your item may be perfectly legal, but if the Customs
inspector is an arrogant SOB, and they decide it is "questionable" then they 
can confiscate it. It is within their authority to do so by law. (Illegal material
obviously gets confiscate of course)

**HOWEVER**, I doubt there is a Federal law BANNING importing h-manga from Japan into the US.
Actually, I don't see how it would work as US Customs only sees on a high level of imports.  
Customs may see you are importing a "art book" but will not know what the contents of the 
art book are (innocent Japanese Samurai drawings or H-manga) unless they hold your shipment
and physically examine the shipment and look at the contents.
(ID #430655) Posted on 2008/12/31 16:20
HoHoWan in Somewhere Dull (Registered on 2008/08/10 15:05)
Customs & Weird Stuff
I should clarify that by saying "Importing h-manga into the US" I mean, via 
postal,FedEx,UPS,etc. If you physically carry it in your luggage and you are
searched during your re-entry into the US, and the Customs Inspector is one
of those arrogant lazy US government employees, and that inspector find the
h-manga questionable, then you may be screwed.
(ID #430660) Posted on 2008/12/31 16:27
Fran in asdfghjkl (Registered on 2007/08/17 22:14)
pokemaster
the customs and police here are just dxxks and power hungry aholes. this whole country is run by morons. i have zero respect for these guys.
(ID #430731) Posted on 2008/12/31 17:51
ZeroAquaduct in Vancouver, BC, Canada (Registered on 2007/09/16 18:28)
24/7 Otaku / 100% Haruhiist
I agree. Unfortunately, customs officers, police officers, as well as Canada Revenue Agency authorities, are mostly on a power trip here in Canada. I even find construction workers directing traffic through construction zones to be on a power trip most of the time too.
(ID #430956) Posted on 2008/12/31 21:46
Last{[0]}Raven in South Korea (Registered on 2008/01/02 14:07)
Raven, AMV & MAD maker, Otaku
when i see these comments. i feel like we all have lost our privacy and enjoyment. 
(ID #430751) Posted on 2008/12/31 18:10
kinzokusama in Vancouver (Registered on 2008/06/19 15:13)
Domon Kasshu fanboy/ Starving Artist
This is bull of the highest degree. Canada used to be the nicest easiest country in the continent to get into, but ever since Harper passed all these new border laws with the republicans down south, it's been tarnished. I feel like there's no point to going to Japan now almost. 
(ID #430755) Posted on 2008/12/31 18:14
Fran in asdfghjkl (Registered on 2007/08/17 22:14)
pokemaster
just buy and don't think about it. if you get checked, you are gonna get swrewed over anyways even if didn't bring any porn.
(ID #430759) Posted on 2008/12/31 18:20
orcinus in some snowy peak (Registered on 2007/10/09 00:37)
Fine arts and communications student
I'm walking in from %%http://www.dannychoo.com/detail/mac/eng/image/12469/Customs+problems%2C+once+more+over..html,here%% , don't mind if I do...

Let me reiterate some questions from that thread:

For immigrants, they have to describe and list down everything they're bringing in. How does one go about that with manga and figurines?

The second question is what kind of behavior does Canadian Customs take when it comes to items within mailing boxes(like from internet orders)?
(ID #430779) Posted on 2008/12/31 18:35
Evil King in Vlaardingen, the Netherlands, Earth (Registered on 2007/12/19 01:36)
Student and full-time otaku
Damn...bunch of uptight gits...hope we don't get these problems in Europe. It is legal, nonhurting merchandise afterall, right?
(ID #430781) Posted on 2008/12/31 18:38
NPC in Rocklin, CA (Registered on 2007/12/06 16:43)
JR. College Student
Eeeexxaaactly!
People seriously have their priorities mixed up. There are plenty of REAL issues we could be putting our tax dollars to work on. Don't get me started... if worst comes to worst sometime in the future, Otaku will have to protest for their right to import health care. When that happens we'll officially have two messed up health care systems haha.
(ID #430929) Posted on 2008/12/31 21:23
Sabekuji Kaneda in Parañaque, Philippines (Registered on 2008/06/21 21:50)
Mechanical Engineering student
I hope I don't encounter the same problems here in the Philippines. But then again, the government (and it's people) copies EVERYTHING from USA so there's a high possibility it'll happen here as well. I feel bad for you guys though *pats you all in the back* x_x
(ID #430925) Posted on 2008/12/31 21:21
sanguine in Philippines (Registered on 2008/09/13 00:53)
Student
But then again, the government (and it's people) copies EVERYTHING from USA so there's a high possibility it'll happen here as well.
^^^ And that is why our country's economy is deep down the sink right now.
(ID #432014) Posted on 2009/01/01 16:55
Sabekuji Kaneda in Parañaque, Philippines (Registered on 2008/06/21 21:50)
Mechanical Engineering student
But you know, I think we won't be affected by this economic crisis too much. The Filipinos are very experienced when it comes to living in poverty so I think we won't be affected too much x_x
(ID #432220) Posted on 2009/01/01 21:03
Matteas in Prague, Czech Republic (Registered on 2008/10/25 07:58)
High school student
This is very sad and stupid. I hope that Europe won't meet the same fate as America.
(ID #430926) Posted on 2008/12/31 21:21
aquilla in The United Kingdom (Registered on 2008/10/23 04:56)
Unemployed Dollfie enthusiast
Well I don't like or approve of hentai, but banning it is a bit stupid. You could still walk into the local and buy a sleazy pron mag couldn't you? So why should harmless pictures be banned.
(ID #430928) Posted on 2008/12/31 21:22
Hangmen13 in Sabah, Malaysia, but now studying in KL (still the same country) (Registered on 2007/04/21 22:31)
Aimless Traveler
So much for Western democracy.
(ID #430933) Posted on 2008/12/31 21:25
GNdynames in University of Western Ontario (Registered on 2008/07/29 06:45)
Student, Bioresearch Assistant, WAVE VP Communications
Democracy pretty much means any pissed off person has the right to complain and the government has to do something about it.
(ID #431348) Posted on 2009/01/01 04:15
ZeroAquaduct in Vancouver, BC, Canada (Registered on 2007/09/16 18:28)
24/7 Otaku / 100% Haruhiist
I have some experience with Canadian customs (postal) since I used to run an online computer business back in the old days. If you try to import "obscene" material, they would simply confiscate it and give you a letter instead of your package. The letter will explain the reason for the confiscation. On the other hand, if they define the material you have as "child pornography," then you could be in trouble.
(ID #430939) Posted on 2008/12/31 21:30
Wynn in EVERYWHERE, Singapore (Registered on 2008/04/23 00:02)
Myself-finder
anyone know is singapore safe? if u bring back through luggage it's safe ( i'm a living example!)
(ID #430974) Posted on 2008/12/31 22:13
lerry[maru] in Kuala Lumpur, MY (Registered on 2008/09/15 01:22)
Seleção IX
Ze end of za warudo! 
(ID #430979) Posted on 2008/12/31 22:16
dragon god in Taiping, Malaysia (Registered on 2008/07/26 23:27)
Figurine & Gundam Hunter
Don't know about Singapore, I want to know about the custom here in Malaysia. Will they check my order for Hentai Figurine?
(ID #431001) Posted on 2008/12/31 22:33
pipopaz in US (Registered on 2008/08/26 22:20)
thousand master II
Dude this really hit me hard since i was expecting to move to Canada to Study my career, but then will all my manga be searched when i arrive or what?
(ID #431029) Posted on 2008/12/31 23:01
Paliodor in Poland (Registered on 2008/03/18 08:29)
OMG, that sukcs totally, the world is starting to be a Medieval dictatorship if this goes like that... 
The only thing that I could say for all those politics,Unicef and etc when I read stuff like this is:
Use brain idiots...
(ID #431036) Posted on 2008/12/31 23:06
Meimi132 in Leicester for Uni, Norfolk for Home. (Registered on 2007/12/04 05:29)
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
OMG.....
Moment for our fallen comrade........


WTF?!? I thought the UK had issues... but Canada is even crazier apparantly... And to think I wanted to move to Canada.... I wonder how they'd react to a girl reading some of the dirtier stuff though? I'd like to see their faces actually.... Asswipes...
(ID #431049) Posted on 2008/12/31 23:16
orcinus in some snowy peak (Registered on 2007/10/09 00:37)
Fine arts and communications student
I thought the UK was even worse than Canada. I was under the impression they're the ur-example of a "paranoid nanny state" with all their new policies.
(ID #431949) Posted on 2009/01/01 15:30
Kururugi Seiryuu in Azadistan (Registered on 2008/07/10 19:37)
Gundam Meister
The world is in total distortion! That's why we need Celestial Being!
(ID #431055) Posted on 2008/12/31 23:21
Exno-REY in NYC, New York (Registered on 2008/11/01 14:51)
Violinist
lol, celestial being does an armed intervention on Canadian customs? Overkill. 
(ID #431195) Posted on 2009/01/01 01:41
Flawless EXA in California, US (Registered on 2008/12/04 09:33)
High School Student
It's alrighty overkill to for Customs to be doing this.
(ID #431548) Posted on 2009/01/01 07:30
Smithy in Neo-Venezia (Registered on 2008/05/20 22:31)
~Undine~
Sounds like biased illicit targeting and prosecution of certain goods and groups by customs.

I would seriously ask if doing that is saving the Canadian people from suffering any additional crimes being committed.
(ID #431086) Posted on 2008/12/31 23:52
Tourak in カナダ, ケベック (Registered on 2007/12/20 10:57)
大がくせい
Actually, from a judge, they do believe by doing so they protect the children from horrible pedophile sex offender.
"Interpreting "person" in accordance with Parliament's purpose of criminalizing possession of material that poses a reasoned risk of harm to children, it seems that it should include visual works of the imagination as well as depictions of actual people. Notwithstanding the fact that 'person' in the charging section and in s. 163.1(1)(b) refers to a flesh-and-blood person, I conclude that "person" in s. 163.1(1)(a) includes both actual and imaginary human beings."
From wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lolicon#Canada

But then....that should make most video game and movie illegal.....since isn't killing virtual people a threat to real people, if you go by that line of though?
(ID #432133) Posted on 2009/01/01 19:15
Asian Ed in Charlotte, NC (Registered on 2008/12/26 01:07)
Technical Account Manager
This isn't the first case of censorship like this. There's a case that's panning out in Iowa right now (more info: http://www.cbldf.org/pr/archives/000372.shtml) where a collector was arrested for posession of "obscene" manga. The man faces a 20 year sentance for the crime under the PROTECT act.

I guess not being able to import isn't so bad after all...
(ID #431107) Posted on 2009/01/01 00:21
Fabian in Germany (Registered on 2008/01/09 01:36)
student
Is it just me or has the whole world gone nuts since 911? As if throwing everyone's rights out of the window in the name of "security" is not enough, moralist crackpots have a field day as well.. -_-
(ID #431123) Posted on 2009/01/01 00:39
suneo (Registered on 2007/12/17 20:54)
I just had a package clear US customs from Hobbysearch with a figure (no bare anything), and a hentai manga o.O   Hope they didn't seize or put my name on a list of anything...it should be delivered today...

Maybe it's a good thing I held off on ordering those shota erocomics... lol  Was gonna see how my first package went, and if that made it, I might make another order...
(ID #431124) Posted on 2009/01/01 00:39
MARl0 in United States (Registered on 2007/11/16 11:10)
Graphic Designer
Wow, remind me to never go through customs.
(ID #431147) Posted on 2009/01/01 00:58
Exno-REY in NYC, New York (Registered on 2008/11/01 14:51)
Violinist
In the end, isn't it just because they want our money? Or I dunno, something along those lines? 
(ID #431197) Posted on 2009/01/01 01:43
KyokoHunter in UK (Registered on 2008/06/08 21:26)
Civil Servant
Absolutely horrendous. Seems like anything 2D is being demonized. I'd like to see serious, petitioned action on this and make it clear to the world that 2D = 2D and 3D = 3D.
(ID #431212) Posted on 2009/01/01 01:58
CrazyAnimeTuga in Portugal (Registered on 2007/01/03 03:24)
Student
I never ordered manga but I have a couple magazines like dengeki hime which are full of eroge game pictures and some art books like ChuxChu Idol which have also lots of erotic and porn pictures. Our custom services don't care about that the only problem we'll have is that if we order child porn, now that is a serious offense and can lead to prison but besides that there is no problem
(ID #431223) Posted on 2009/01/01 02:09
oniichan! in ROC NY (Registered on 2008/06/21 01:03)
Engineering and Sales
I am really sick of the ganging up on us Anime folk. There are just as many American cartoons which are perverse and lewed. Also American comics show just as much T&A, only difference is that the characters "look" older. The government should be much more worries about the economy, health care and jobs then this trivial crap.
(ID #431229) Posted on 2009/01/01 02:17
Halconnen in Karlsland (Registered on 2008/11/18 17:19)
Student
Well. I suppose technically organizing dolphin waxing materials is a health care matter of sorts.
(ID #431278) Posted on 2009/01/01 03:10
Raz in this moment and time. (Registered on 2008/09/02 07:05)
BioResearch Assistant
I find a little ironic about Canada's concern over manga when I was watching 'Total Drama Island' on CartoonNetwork here in the US. 

The show is a Canadian animation just picked up here in the US by CN. It's a cartoon parody of reality shows like the Real Life and Survivor, etc... One of the episodes a branch caught one of the contestant's shirts and pulled it off. Apparently she wasn't wearing a bra and they had to pixelate her chest which was shown for a good second or two.

In Canada they rated the cartoon a G meaning acceptable for all children.

Here in the US it's PG, not for all children, and they show parental advisory warnings in between commercials to drive that in.
(ID #431279) Posted on 2009/01/01 03:10
amasero in usa, maryland (Registered on 2008/05/14 05:47)
anime junky :3
'security' is a lie, government is a lie. gonna continue studying japanese so i can get the hell out of here.
(ID #431262) Posted on 2009/01/01 02:53
miku2 in vocaloid world (Registered on 2008/12/30 20:44)
american cartoon more to kids and some just superhero!!sucks
(ID #431264) Posted on 2009/01/01 02:55
Harts in Estonia (Registered on 2008/06/02 15:38)
Student
Crap, I hate it when the government thinks all the citizens are idiots and feels the need to ban everything and anything that was/is/can potentially be offensive to anyone alive or dead.
(ID #431309) Posted on 2009/01/01 03:32
Emperor's Hand in Ohio, USA (Registered on 2007/12/25 02:03)
 Well from my experience, most "average" Americans are very un-intellignet. Their world is no larger than there village, town, city. They waste there days away discussing mundane things  like cousin sue marrying brad from the body shop, or what the weather is like today. They watch reality shows, drama shows, Nascar, cooking shows, and spend all their money on materialistic gains. They put all their faith in failed institutions like churches, governments, banks, Wall Street. No one reads classic literature anymore or studies history. No cares about learning and understanding, especially each other. No one thinks globally or takes time to understand the plight of other corners of the world.  They are full of hatred and misunderstanding and ultimately are nothing more than slaves of their own beliefs and money.

  It is only on college campuses, online resources,and the luck to have many intelligent, cultured, and passion friends that i can rise above the blandness surrounding me daily.
(ID #431334) Posted on 2009/01/01 04:00
GNdynames in University of Western Ontario (Registered on 2008/07/29 06:45)
Student, Bioresearch Assistant, WAVE VP Communications
This is probably why we have shows like "This hour has 22mins", "Ricker Mercer Report" and "Air Farce"
(ID #431362) Posted on 2009/01/01 04:27
Aspheric in Nanaimo Canada BC (Registered on 2008/11/04 06:58)
Hacker / Modder / Computer Assembler / Bored Out of My Mind
... I thought that that Japan was censoring the hell of their hentai even doing recalls on some  of them. And i always find that all porn mags aren't censored at all. so technically speaking hentai is much more .... umm cant come up with a word, well you know its better to have a kid accidently finding a hentai then a porn magazine.
(ID #431327) Posted on 2009/01/01 03:50
Aspheric in Nanaimo Canada BC (Registered on 2008/11/04 06:58)
Hacker / Modder / Computer Assembler / Bored Out of My Mind
We should start a petition or something that might help.
(ID #431331) Posted on 2009/01/01 03:52
GNdynames in University of Western Ontario (Registered on 2008/07/29 06:45)
Student, Bioresearch Assistant, WAVE VP Communications
The problem is that, if one doesn't understand us otakus they'd be screaming to support the government. 
(ID #431365) Posted on 2009/01/01 04:28
Tourak in カナダ, ケベック (Registered on 2007/12/20 10:57)
大がくせい
You might be right, but if we want thing to change we need to start somewhere. Even talking about thing like Romeo and Juliet been illegal here should be a good start.
(ID #432136) Posted on 2009/01/01 19:23
Tourak in カナダ, ケベック (Registered on 2007/12/20 10:57)
大がくせい
I've just thought about i but, Claude Dubois song "Plein de tendresse" is also illegal by that law. Since it about a young boy under 16 having a sexual relationship with a woman that is 30. And we still hear it played on the radio with no one getting offended.

For your information, Claude Dubois is a Quebecker singer/song writer.
Here's the link to the "offending" song http://www.mp3lyrics.org/c/claude-dubois/plein-de-tendresse/
(ID #432140) Posted on 2009/01/01 19:38
Emperor's Hand in Ohio, USA (Registered on 2007/12/25 02:03)
 Well the message this sends me is this:  I could stroll into an airport dressed like a 70s porn star (Flannel, jeans, mustache, circle shades) and i could be carrying a bag full of the most filthy disgusting hardcore pornography ever recorded, with a blow up doll in the other hand..and I'm gonna be just fine.  But, if i had 2 doujinshis then all hell would break lose. What a waste of time and money. And what about the whole "talk again and we'll seize it" line. That can't be true. These people are just like worthless scumbag cops who go on powertrips to makeup for some neurotic tendencies that developed as a result of their failed youths. They make the same remarks that make it seem like they are in control. They have all the power. Please, they are all just (okay most em are) overweight, corrupt, joyless individuals with no passion or bliss in their lives.    Sorry to all the good cops and custom agents (never met one but they must exist).

  6 officers searching a man who mentioned manga. I knew customs people wasted our time like no other, but this is crossing the line. And to instantly suspect someone of having illegal porn because of that is foolish. Shouldn't these people be concerned about weapons, drugs, and terrorists.  The comments if quoted properly, show the lack of any sort of culture from these people. With a global culture these days, one would hope ignorance like that would disappear over time.....

  The censorship people will strive for holds no bounds. If not for the artists who spoke up in the 80s and 90s we could have seen our music being stripped down and censored, but it didn't happen because we (the musicians) fought back.
(ID #431330) Posted on 2009/01/01 03:51
Requiem in Mars (Registered on 2007/11/07 19:30)
Web developer
Mature Manga
Dangerous Drawings
(ID #431333) Posted on 2009/01/01 03:59
Nino in Chicago ^^, USA (Registered on 2008/12/26 11:05)
Student.
That's complete bull, I hate it when people like this rationalize and think that all manga's are hentai's. And sense when does the government care about what we read and don't, that doesn't harm anyone or anything??
(ID #431338) Posted on 2009/01/01 04:07
Gundam00 in somewhere in space (Registered on 2008/04/27 03:32)
MS pilot
WOW...that is ridiculous! outrageous! looks like customs are being real jerks and generalizing on manga...argh >_<
(ID #431339) Posted on 2009/01/01 04:07
daichouginga in Byston Well, the land between the earth and the sea (Registered on 2008/06/04 10:28)
The Sword of Magus
This is weird, really weird O__o
(ID #431353) Posted on 2009/01/01 04:19
Tasche in Vancouver, BC (Registered on 2008/11/03 17:46)
Student of Geography and Asian Studies
thats stupid, it should be if your 18+ you can do whatever the hell you want with your sex life. 

the government has no right to look through your belongings like that..thats just ignant. they can say whatever they want like "oh you got weed! or crack, etc." as an excuse and just find other crap instead of the primary reason.

and the fact that its an Americanized Manga...well, haha...shows that people here hate it too...haha

just be discrete and say "Books" or "literature"...dont say Manga, thats like calling your medicine "Drugs"
(ID #431382) Posted on 2009/01/01 04:41
Karl in TEH Philippines (Registered on 2007/10/27 02:38)
Student/Evil Overlord
Why don't the Canadian government first try blocking off porn from their own continent? F#&@!*$ double standards!!
(ID #431402) Posted on 2009/01/01 05:01
GNdynames in University of Western Ontario (Registered on 2008/07/29 06:45)
Student, Bioresearch Assistant, WAVE VP Communications
Probably because the folks will complain. I don't think there is enough otaku in Canada to actually have a voice in this situation.
(ID #431412) Posted on 2009/01/01 05:08
Gibson in California (Registered on 2007/05/28 04:42)
Student artist
The world is becoming a military state
(ID #431424) Posted on 2009/01/01 05:16
DualSoul in Ontario, Canada (Registered on 2007/10/11 16:28)
Associate Network Administrator
They should worry about getting my packages to me on time instead of this crap.
(ID #431428) Posted on 2009/01/01 05:21
Freedom Gundam in United Kingdom (Registered on 2008/02/04 01:39)
College Student
JLIST actually say the don't send 18+ manga to Canada and stuff.
(ID #431434) Posted on 2009/01/01 05:26
Hidden Oasis in California, United Sates (Registered on 2008/10/28 13:51)
College Freshmen
How stupid. Haven't they got anything better to do than look for manga. I hate how people hate on things they don't understand.
(ID #431457) Posted on 2009/01/01 05:53
Kenn in British Columbia, Canada (Registered on 2008/09/16 16:58)
Student
Aha. My friend had problems with customs and stuff too @_@ Didn't think they'd go through the book page by page though. You could argue that their actions are against the Charter though..I think @_@
(ID #431529) Posted on 2009/01/01 07:11
mutsumifruit3 in United States (Registered on 2008/10/26 09:19)
Thats Bull****
(ID #431538) Posted on 2009/01/01 07:21
Yaku in Chinatown, Los Angeles, USA (Registered on 2008/08/27 16:01)
Student, part-time slave
Oh so now we can't have our FAKE pr0n in peace? Srsly, wtf is wrong with these people?

...me thinks they're jealous they can't have their own so they enjoy spreading the misery.
(ID #431553) Posted on 2009/01/01 07:35
punynari in Yokosuka, Japan (Registered on 2008/09/20 06:53)
US Navy Sailor
This is aweful but some things you can do when you ship these home.  Do not write or declare "manga" or "comics".  That is a red flag.  They are "books".  

Try to ship or ask the seller to ship with other items and tag as "gift".

This sucks that westerners have to do this.  Freedom of speech and expression is slowly going out the window.
(ID #431559) Posted on 2009/01/01 07:44
orcinus in some snowy peak (Registered on 2007/10/09 00:37)
Fine arts and communications student
Problem with Hobbylink Japan is that they will never tag the items as "gifts". Let's send them a torrent of emails about the paranoia of customs to make them think twice. 
(ID #431954) Posted on 2009/01/01 15:35
Coco the Bean in SoCal, USA (Registered on 2008/01/06 06:53)
Pokemon master
Please excuse me while I bang my head against the wall.  
I read the entry on Screw Bronze, and is it really true these books aren't allowed in!? http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/listmania/fullview/EN9ZONTZ1MS8/103-8936114-5648664?_encoding=UTF8  
(ID #431579) Posted on 2009/01/01 08:14
Saku in Toronto (Registered on 2008/02/08 00:50)
Wannabe Web Developer
I think we should form a Coalition Government and de-throne the current one so we can make our own rules regarding this matter ^^
(ID #431592) Posted on 2009/01/01 08:28
miku2 in vocaloid world (Registered on 2008/12/30 20:44)
canada = 0
japan = 1
(ID #431596) Posted on 2009/01/01 08:35
ceasol in Edmonton, Canada (Registered on 2008/01/08 06:50)
Otaku
I hope there not going to star doing this stupidity with the figures too
(ID #431624) Posted on 2009/01/01 09:24
persocomsan in Pueblo, CO (Registered on 2008/06/20 09:49)
it'll only be a matter of time before they pull this crap in the US I bet...  
(ID #431671) Posted on 2009/01/01 10:17
narunegi in Johore Bahru, Malaysia (Registered on 2008/08/21 18:42)
i live in Malaysia and most of the people in my area think that foreign manga, regardless of where its from are considered dirty, childish and unhealthy. but all that didn't stop me from buying manga and gunpla.
(ID #431686) Posted on 2009/01/01 10:30
Kaito Kid in Gunpla no Sekai (Registered on 2008/10/09 02:43)
MG Impulse no Tamashi
Don't both those countries have like billion-dollar porn industries they just ignore?

Just because Jap porn is the best...
(ID #431792) Posted on 2009/01/01 11:44
ClearTranquil in Vancouver, BC - Canada (Registered on 2008/06/20 08:51)
Student // Collector // Gaijin
As a Canadian who is going to Japan (likely bringing back doujins as well) this scares me quite a bit. I recently returned from Japan in April with alot of doujins in my bag and didn't get questioned (thankfully). If it's more strict now I don't know what I'll do. I guess just put them between magazines and other books in my regular luggage and hope they don't get seized.
(ID #431796) Posted on 2009/01/01 11:47
tymmur in his top secret nuclear bunker (Registered on 2008/01/20 19:55)
I never had any problems with customs in airports. I once experienced an odd moment though. I was once in an airport and for some strange reason only one plane had arrived so everybody came with the same plane (so everybody had the same risk of being smugglers). When the suitcases finally arrived a whole group of people claimed their own and went to customs. Just my luck that there were like 10 or 15 people in front of me and nobody behind me and I could see that they stopped everybody and started opening all bags. I just thought "ok, this can take a while" and queued up. For some unknown reason some custom worker decided that I could just go through without being checked and that it would appear that I was the only one not being checked.

I guess I just have a trustworthy aura and radiated the right attitude or something. After all I had nothing but clean cloth and stuff like that so I had nothing to fear at all.

Come to think of it I have never been searched in customs. Maybe they have a 6th sense telling them that my personaliity would never try to smuggle or something.


My mom once tried the opposite. Customs searched every single car crossing the border and they didn't care at all who they searched and they even ignored diplomatic immunity (so you are a diplomat returning to your own country... we still want to see everything you got). My mom said it was quite unpleasant since they treated everybody like criminals. The next day the newspaper headlines told about how the custom workers managed to catch the biggest drug shipmment in years. It would appear that they somehow knew something was planned to cross the border that day.


As for the search in this news (the manga one), I say that while I prefer strict border control, it would appear that they were overreacting. They should check the bags if they get the impression that there is something illegal in it. However it would appear that they spent too much time in this case with too many people. It shouldn't take 6 people to check one person for illegal images. Imagine how many potiential smugglers who were not checked because they spent so many resources on one guy where they didn't find anything after all. Also I didn't know that custom workers were allowed to search something in a way that would decrease the value of the searched object.
(ID #431808) Posted on 2009/01/01 12:02
silent1134 in Los Angeles, California (Registered on 2007/08/22 15:45)
???Confused???
They think 2D porn is worse than real porn?...really they're probably just mad that their own industry isn't making big bucks and decided that if they aren't getting any we don't get any...
(ID #431814) Posted on 2009/01/01 12:06
Halconnen in Karlsland (Registered on 2008/11/18 17:19)
Student
Probably closer to the truth than one would think, that.
(ID #438162) Posted on 2009/01/07 04:54
Keigami in Alaska (the Snowy Hell) (Registered on 2008/12/06 21:30)
Student of Computer Info. & Office Sys.
Say... what?
That's absolutely... Ridiculous.
(ID #431830) Posted on 2009/01/01 12:20
Minaru Chou in Philippines (Registered on 2008/09/25 11:11)
Programmer Trainee
Wow that's really bad

In this country, even with the overzealous people I don't seem to see any law against manga and stuff. I guess with so much corruption and lack of funds they can't do anything of the sort
(ID #431867) Posted on 2009/01/01 13:25
Xiani in Pennsylvania, USA (Registered on 2008/05/19 14:00)
Artist - MMORPG'R
Wow.. just wow. As my friend put it when I told him, bull crap. Except in an uncensored way.

If they're going to go out of their way to block hentai from Japan, then they need to take a closer look at what's being distributed here in their own Countries. As someone else mentioned, double standards much?

I honestly haven't bought an "adult" manga or doujinshi in a few years, and most of mine were bought at conventions, but this bothers me. I'm sure that if they're going to crack down on it like this, you won't even be able to purchase them at conventions anymore because the vendors won't be able to bring their stock in.

God forbid they crack down on figures, too. Majority of the figures made would probably be deemed "explicit" because their panties are showing/she looks too young/etc.

If hentai automatically makes you some sexual predator/deviant, then what does good 'ol porn from the US/Canada make you? Mr. Rogers?

Their reactions to it just make me think of high school. Anytime I would bring in a manga to read when I had some free time the kids would be asking, "Is that porn? That's so porn, that's that Chinese stuff!" A few even went as far as to try and grab the books out of my hands just to prove it was porn, which it was not. It's childish and to think a Government is behaving like one.
(ID #431874) Posted on 2009/01/01 13:32
kona.kona in Singapore (Registered on 2008/10/16 02:06)
Student
Luckily for Singapore, many people here enjoy manga, hence the popular Comic connections appearing everywhere (for the casual readers) and Kinokuniya and such for the more avid otakus. Never had trouble with customs, even when coming back from Japan a few days back. They even offered to label my cardboard box of Figmas as 'Fragile'.

Don't really understand why such disgusting treatment is received in Canada and the States.
(ID #431948) Posted on 2009/01/01 15:28
Omu in Rethundo Island, Spain (Registered on 2008/05/14 04:44)
Full Time Japan Lover
Man that treatment is ridiculous :/

Lucky me, that I haven't experienced anything similar ^^;
(ID #431997) Posted on 2009/01/01 16:42
nintendokid in London (Registered on 2008/11/15 04:47)
Gamer,Anime Watcher,Student,Youtuber (below is my YouTubepage click for reviews and more)
thats ridiclusly stupid and dont they sell porn of real ppl of america i mean they have a place called the bunny ranch full of strippers......dosent that make them comunisists and since when do they ave that kind of authority
(ID #432431) Posted on 2009/01/02 03:57
Dave702 in Florida (Registered on 2008/09/28 16:25)
Student
WOW, What the hell!
(ID #432443) Posted on 2009/01/02 04:10
kousaka in USA (Registered on 2007/09/02 02:03)
student
Isn't real(3D) porn worse?  So what's the deal with our precious (H)manga?  It sounds completely stupid to put a ban on it and treating everyone who reads it like scum.
(ID #432663) Posted on 2009/01/02 10:19
CyruzDraxs in Kelowna, BC, Canada (Registered on 2007/09/11 10:55)
Web Design & Development
Every day the government gives me another reason not to live here. >.>
(ID #432733) Posted on 2009/01/02 12:06
X-wingsZero in rochester ny (Registered on 2008/11/02 13:59)
student
dude what the hell wow
(ID #432909) Posted on 2009/01/02 15:19
strangeknight in Singapore (Registered on 2007/08/29 22:48)
Ah. Hentai: the New Crack  :) 

This just drives the trade underground. 
(ID #433015) Posted on 2009/01/02 18:07
phan in indonesia (Registered on 2009/01/02 20:23)
student
it's a discimination men!! whatever we read or do as long it's contain no violance i think it's ok,but well every country has it's own rule ~_~"
(ID #433112) Posted on 2009/01/02 20:35
plasma (Registered on 2008/03/09 16:58)
they're running out of ppl to catch with drugs, so now they need another reason to stay employed
we have videos and magazines of girls getting f*****in the butthole, but cartoon manga not allowed in?! what the s***?!
(ID #433830) Posted on 2009/01/03 14:31
OMGbutteredtoast in pensacola, FL, USA (Registered on 2009/01/04 12:31)
student/ legal assistant/ otaku/ worshipper of dc.com
thats dispicable.....
(ID #434909) Posted on 2009/01/04 12:38
radical anime fan in 2009 Singapore. (Registered on 2007/01/25 22:32)
Polytechnic Senior, Bronze Lifesaving Trainee, Mech Designer, Pokemon Indexer.
So much for literacy. X(

Well, I haven't heard of anything like that in Singapore, which is good, but I wonder for how long will it continue...
(ID #435148) Posted on 2009/01/04 17:30
uncreative (Registered on 2008/08/16 01:50)
Maybe the officers just wanted to read some manga.
(ID #435897) Posted on 2009/01/05 10:55
Maha chan in Utrecht, The Netherlands (Registered on 2008/05/18 02:20)
Graphic arts student
That's just ridiculous! prude American/Canadian higher ups, while I bet they have dirty dirty fetishes themselfs!

Luckily I don't think bringing x-rated stuff back to the Netherlands will get me in trouble, never had to go through customs when coming back here.
Also, almost being at the age of 20 makes me have more power here than being alot younger I guess.
(ID #436378) Posted on 2009/01/05 21:18
Halconnen in Karlsland (Registered on 2008/11/18 17:19)
Student
It's funny. The more I read news like this, the more I have to imagine an otaku mass-exodus to Japan. O_o
(ID #438167) Posted on 2009/01/07 05:00
Nopy in Canada (Registered on 2007/09/16 07:58)
Unfortunately, some criminals here in Canada have given manga and anime (ie: calling lolicon hentai manga and/or anime) a bad name and hence the reaction of the officers. Any depiction of underage sex is illegal in Canada so anyone possessing lolicon hentai can be arrested under some child protection act (even though there's no children involved).
(ID #438498) Posted on 2009/01/07 11:22
Nopy in Canada (Registered on 2007/09/16 07:58)
Interestingly enough, lolicon hentai is legal in america where the laws do not include depictions of underage sex, only material involving actual children. 
(ID #438502) Posted on 2009/01/07 11:25
zro in florida (Registered on 2009/02/25 00:29)
high school student
but wait that is weird i ordered 3 h-books from jlist.com and 4 packs of h-cards so and they were not taken they came to me nicely packaged at my door step and nothing was missing so now if i order the new queens gate that features dizzy from guilty gear its gonna be searched and conficated that is not fair!!!!
(ID #531876) Posted on 2009/03/24 07:20
Robr~t in fraser michigan (Registered on 2009/04/10 07:54)
gamer
i totally agree, this isnt fair! how the heck can i read my manga without buying it, and what about hentai! i heard that there was a court ruling about hentai and hentai won, but they still try to stop this! wtf! hopefully Obama could fix this because if i order any thing or buy any thing and it gets confiscated i am gonna be so PISSED!
(ID #556632) Posted on 2009/04/10 07:57
Compass in California (Registered on 2009/04/11 10:19)
Yes, gotta keep cartoon drawings of womenz from spreading. Great priorities.
(ID #626499) Posted on 2009/05/30 09:35
Destinii Haruya in Achfary. Heard of it? Thought not... (Registered on 2008/10/13 00:15)
Schoolkid
Wha- So real porn, which is, in my opinion, grosser, is allowed, but hentai isn't? Weird... O.o
(ID #628535) Posted on 2009/06/01 02:47
`yukimi_ in Canada (Registered on 2009/05/27 05:47)
Student
Wow, manga is filthy? -_-;
“That’s the stuff from Japan; there is some really obscene and filthy stuff.”
That was really mean and offending -__-;

I read more manga then I do reading novels >__>;
And with the Twilight series on the loose,
Manga > Twilight anyday >__>;;.
(ID #628608) Posted on 2009/06/01 04:18
UngreatfulPunk in Midwest City, OK (Registered on 2009/03/26 15:00)
Student / Free Thinker/ Mild Otaku
I agree Manga > Twilight any day of the week.
(ID #630250) Posted on 2009/06/02 12:42
Kylaran in San Diego, California (Registered on 2008/08/16 03:36)
Student
I just don't get it - since when did fictional characters involved in sexual activities become more of a target for censorship and thought policing than real domestic issues that are far more urgent?
(ID #629075) Posted on 2009/06/01 13:55
UngreatfulPunk in Midwest City, OK (Registered on 2009/03/26 15:00)
Student / Free Thinker/ Mild Otaku
Thanks for the heads up, if I go to Canada I'll have to remember NEVER carry manga (or even mention it) when going through customs. 
(ID #630249) Posted on 2009/06/02 12:41
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